Hospitals recognised as 'Veteran Aware'

10 Dec 2019 10:52
Published by: Kian French

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has received a formal accreditation as a Veteran Aware NHS trust.

It has been granted the status in recognition of its commitment to improving NHS care for veterans, reservists and members of the Armed Forces.

Awarded by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA), the Veteran Aware highlights NHS trusts which have made a series of pledges, such as ensuring members of the Armed Forces community are never disadvantaged when receiving care and supporting employees who have previously served.

Karen Partington, chief executive at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, which runs the Royal Preston and Chorley and South Ribble hospitals, said: "We are extremely proud to have been officially accredited as a Veteran Aware Trust.

"This is testament to the brilliant work our staff does to ensure members of the armed forces and their loved ones are cared for and supported."

The trust offers an additional 10 days unpaid leave for training in its Reservist Policy, and when returning from tours of duty, the reservist returns to their substantive post.

Debbie Tickle, recruitment manager and trust military lead, added: "We actively encourage employees to inform us of their service, or that of their loved ones, so that we can provide them with the best possible care. We are delighted to have been recognised for our work to make this happen."

Alongside the running of a reservist group, led by staff member and reservist Gary Fields, the trust is a member of the North West NHS Employers Armed Forces Network, and has recently launched a support group for employees who have family members in the Armed Forces.

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